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5 ways to get the best faux glow

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November 5, 2020

It’s been a few weeks since we last touched base on all the “5 things” series and I have to admit our last venting session was my most favorite yet… reading your pet peeves helped me to realize we are ALL crazy and it’s OK to embrace the things that might seem a little bit odd and strange to others.  That being said, today I’m excited to share 5 ways to get the best fake tan during these winter months or even year round!

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: image of a woman in downtown Nashville wearing a Molly Bracken SEQUINED BLAZER, Molly Bracken pleated top, MLDED Clay earrings, and Quay Australia Big Love sunglasses.

Sequin Blazer | Pleated Top | Gold + White Clay Earrings | Big Love Sunglasses

As for today, I know I am not a connoisseur on much, but this gal does know all the details on how to get that fabulous looking faux glow. After spray tanning and wiping on the goods for a LONG time, I’ve found an area of expertise that I can share my wealth of knowledge and insight on = first world problems, but there is something about having a bit of color to my skin that helps me feel better about myself and so if that’s your case, too then read on my friends…

How to get the Best Fake Tan

Plus, the holidays call for lots of photoshoot and picture prep, so it’s perfect timing to help get your best faux glow yet:

ONE. Prep the Skin

So many people don’t think about what to do before they put on a faux glow, but it’s SUPER important to be sure to shave, exfoliate and scrub away any other “color” on your skin prior to application. Be sure to focus on the driest areas as well — the elbows, knees, hands and feet for sure! Another tip: shave the day BEFORE you apply self tanner… this will help prevent inflammation and give you that long lasting color.

I love this Exfoliating Sugar Scrub because it smells great, works to remove any excess dirt/oil from my skin and primes the palette perfectly! You can also score it for 15% off with my code NASHVILLETASH. And be sure to apply with exfoliating gloves for a soft and even-skinned canvas.

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: digital image of a fake tan pro tip.

TWO. Find Your Perfect Match

Yes, this can be the hardest part and I cannot tell you how many products I’ve tried and tested over the years trying to find that PERFECT dark tan without streaking, looking orange or smelling like a total spray tan booth. So take my advice for what it’s worth but I assure you I’ve done ALL the due diligence and hands down these are my favorites specific to each area/need…

ALSO, keep in mind there are different shades of color for various skin types and tones… be sure to read the bottle and actually follow the instructions for the best application methods to avoid a mess! Another note that has served me well… start small and build up your tan, it will look far more natural to gain color gradually.

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: digital image of a fake tan pro tip.

THREE. My Must-Have Products

Favorite Overall Body Product: Loving Tan Mousse in Ultra Dark | no orange look, easy to apply with great long-lasting color, this lightweight mousse gives you natural olive toned application with instant bronzing to show where you’ve applied… it also dries super quickly and develops into a deeper tan within a few hours without feelng sticky. Hands down my #1 body recommendation for all over application. Looking for something even faster?? Check out their 2-hour express option as well. P.S. use their applicator mitt which I love = easy peasy and the perfect way to apply!

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: digital image of Loving Tan deluxe applicator mit and Loving Tan deluxe Bronzing Mousse.

Favorite Face Product: Tan Luxe Face Drops | I began using these gradual tan face drops a few months ago when I placed my first Tan Luxe order and I’ve been a big fan ever since. Even if you forego your tan in the winter, I always advise adding a few of these to your daily moisturizer for a bit of sunkissed, bronze glow… no winter blues over here! The more drops you add, the darker your color will be = I usually use two drops every few days. Just be sure to apply in a circular motion AND then wash your hands immediately after!!

Favorite Gradual Lotion: Tan Luxe  Illuminating Body Butter | So good you’re going to want to grab the jumbo size of this gradual moisturizer… one thing I love is the quick dry formula for this thick body butter. It’s a great hydrator for your skin, but gradually evens out your skin tones and provides a bit of bronzed color that also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. Again, apply in circular motions over your body and then allow 4-6 hours to develop [i.e. another good product to put on at night before bed and wash off in the shower the next morning]. If I am looking for subtle color, I apply this every 3-4 days.

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: image of Tan-Luxe The Butter, Tan-Luxe The Body, and Tan-Luxe The Face.

Favorite Instant Body Makeup: Tarte Shape Tape Body Makeup | Finally, if you’re looking for INSTANT color when you realize you’re looking like Casper, this is my #1 recommendation for easy-to-apply body makeup that doesn’t rub off on your clothes AND is waterproof [rainy days don’t stand a chance!]. I use shade TAN and cannot say enough great things about this product… it evens out any blemishes/spots/veins and totally makes you look like you just left the beach. And yes, it’s totally appropriate to apply all over so your skin glows immediately! Even better, use code NATASHA for 20% off at Tarte, too. 

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: digital image of Sugar Rush cake butter, Tart shape tape, Tarte foundation, eyeshadow pallet, and lipgloss.

FOUR. Let Air Dry + Baby Powder Magic

Let me share more of my master faux glow knowledge with you… I discovered this trick a few years ago from a fellow spray tanner and it’s been a gamechanger!! First things first–let your tan “set” for a few minutes by air drying your skin. THEN,  take baby powder and dab a bit onto a blush makeup brush. Take the brush and blot along the areas where you tend to sweat [i.e. underarms, back of knees, under your cleavage] to prevent extra sweat and moisture from erasing the tan. This truly works wonders and helps avoid those pesky areas that tend to show the faux glow color/creases, etc.

FIVE. Moisturize and Reapply as Necessary

Now just like we talked about up above, you want to make sure to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized so that your tan LASTS! My favorite post-sunless product to moisturize with is this Cake Butter Lotion [again 20% off with code NATASHA]. It’s great in that it glides on easily with a thicker consistency, ensuring your tan stays put. As always, be sure to avoid body washes with exfoliants as they can shorten the life of your faux glow…

Fake Tan by popular Nashville beauty blog, Hello Happiness: image of a woman in downtown Nashville wearing a Molly Bracken SEQUINED BLAZER, Molly Bracken pleated top, MLDED Clay earrings, and Quay Australia Big Love sunglasses.

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2024 favs

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colorful life + style blogger | native nashvillian | wife and mom to two darling little ladies | bringing you all the happy you can handle

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